Improvement in driers for matrixes for stereotype-plates



T. 1. MAY A L L & R. W H A R N ETT.

Dryers for Matrixes for Stereotype-Plates. No.l57,853. PatentedDec'.15,1874.

lNITED STATES PATENT FFIo.

THOMAS J. MAYALL AND RICHARD W. HARTNETT, OF BOSTON, MASSACHU- SETTS, ASSIGNORS TO MAYALL POWER PRINTING-PRESS COMPANY, OF

NEW YORK oITY.

IMPROVEMENT IN DRIERS FOR MATRIXES FOR STEREOTYPE-PLATES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 1 57,853, dated December 15, 1874; application filed November 23, 1874.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, THOMAS J. MAYALL and RICHARD W. HARTNETT, both of Boston, Suffolk county, Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Drying Matrixes for Stereotype-Plates, of which the following is a specification:

This apparatus is designed for drying the paper matrix after the removal of the same from the type-form.

Heretofore this operation has been effected on steam-tables, on which the matrixes are placed under stretchers, so called-that is, heavy frames, which rest upon the margin of the matrix and prevent it from getting out of shape during the drying operation. The dry ing of the matrix has heretofore consumed some thirteen minutes.

We propose to materially reduce the time required, and at the same time to thoroughly and evenly dry the matrix. To this end we employ an oven that on the sides, top, and bottom has hollow walls which receive the heat ing agent, preferably steam. The oven-chamber is provided with a door, to guard the matrix against exposure to outside air during the drying operation; and on the prolongation of the floor of the oven-chamber is a table or platform, upon which the matrix and stretcher are properly adjusted and fitted together, andfrom which they are pushed along into the.

oven. This table or plat orm is preferably steam-heated, in order to keep the stretchers warm. It can also be used for drying the typeformsthat is, for evaporating the water or moisture that may have entered the same during the operation of making the matrixes.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying is shown at B, Fig. 2, in horizontal section. It is of suflicient capacity to receive at least one matrix with its stretcher. The front of the oven is closed by a door, 0, preferably turning on a horizontal hinge, f, at the top of the oven. The door may, however,turn on a vertical hinge, if desired. The door, when open, leaves the floor a of the chamber unobstructed. On the prolongation of the floor, and in front of the oven proper, extends the table or platform D, of suitable size and dimensions. This table is preferably hollow, and its interior is in communication with the under heating-chamber of the oven, so that the steam or other heating medium will pass not only through the oven, but through the hollow table as well.

In the manufacture of this apparatus we preferao cast the table and lower part of the oven, including the floor a, in one piece. The upper part of the ovenor that above the level of the floor and tableis made separate and afterward bolted or riveted to the lower part. Holes f may be bored at suitable points in the top plate of the lower part, to allow the steam to pass, from the side and'top jackets, down into the lower space. This space is pro vided with transverse partitions 9 extending alternately from opposite sides of the chamber, to cause the steam to take a zigzag course. The steam-exit takes place at h.

In using the apparatus the matrix is adj usted to the stretcher on the table D. When this adjustment is effected the door of the oven is opened and the stretcher, carrying with it the matrix, is pushed into the oven. The door is then closed, and the matrix subjected to the action'of heat from all sides. Under these conditions so rapid is the drying operation that the matrix is ready to be taken out in about three minutes, evenly and thoroughly dried throughout.

If desired, the heat may be increased by introducing a coil of steampiping within the drying-chamber. i

The oven-door may be provided with a counter-balance, so that it can readily be opened and closed, and so that it will remain in any position in which it is placed; or it may be provided with an opening spring, h, and a latch, i, to hold it closed against the action of the spring.

What we claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In apparatus for drying matrixes for stereotype-plates, a closed and jacketed dryingchamber, in combination with a table or platform on the prolongation of and forming a continuation of the floor of said chamber substantially as shown and set forth.

2. A combined steam-table and steam-jacketed drying-oven, constructed and arranged for operation as shown and described.

In testimony whereof We have hereunto signed our names this 23d day of November, A. D. 1874.

THOS. J. MAYALL. RIOHD. W. HARTNETT. Witnesses:

EWELL A. DICK, HENRY R. ELLIOTT. 

